As local Kentuckians, we’ve visited several waterfalls across the state. We’ve concluded that these are the best 8 waterfalls that are a must-see during your next trip to Kentucky! Now, this is an opinion piece… we can’t guarantee you that every person will say these are the best 8 waterfalls. Perhaps, others may feel that some should be added, or some should be dropped. As avid hikers and travelers, these are our favorites and ones that we have visited several times. It’s no surprise to us that all these land in Eastern Kentucky… Appalachia. One simply cannot argue the natural beauty of Appalachia. Between the Appalachian Mountains and the abundance of waterfalls… one can truly get lost in the beauty of nature here. So, without further ado… the top 8 waterfalls!
1. Cumberland Falls
This one comes as a no-brainer. Can a person visit Kentucky without visiting the famous Cumberland Falls? Do yourself a favor and visit Cumberland Falls State Park if you are coming to Kentucky. Cumberland Falls State Park is located in Eastern Kentucky near the city of Corbin. Cumberland Falls State Park is known for Cumberland Falls of course. This waterfall earned the nickname “the Niagara of the South” and stands at 68 feet tall and is an impressive 125 feet wide. Cumberland Falls, one would argue, is a bucket list item when visiting Kentucky… if not THE bucket list item.
2. Copperas Falls
Don’t let the fact that this is an unmarked trail deter you from this hike. Copperas Falls is in the heart of Red River Gorge… and if you are a fellow Kentuckian, you know how special the gorge is. If you are not, do yourself a favor and place RRG at the top of your bucket list here. The area itself is abundant in hiking, unique stays, and food. It is beautiful to say the least and we try to visit as often as we can. If you haven’t hiked Copperas Falls yet, it should be on your bucket list for Kentucky waterfalls! The trail itself is actually one of our favorites. You’ll find yourself crossing streams and walking along beautiful rock formations. Although Copperas Falls is a popular trail, it is not an official trail in Red River Gorge. This means that there are no signs marking the trail and the trail is not kept up by the park. However, the trail is well worn, and the path is relatively easy to follow. This trail is a 3.1 mile out-and-back trail located in Pine Ridge in Eastern Kentucky. We would say to allow at least 2-3 hours to hike the trail, especially if you want to explore more than a beautiful waterfall at the end. The trail is considered moderately challenging; however, we found it to be a relatively easy hike.
3.Pine Island Double Falls
As you may have assumed from the name, this unique waterfall features not only one but two waterfalls at the end of the trail. The falls are located in London, Kentucky right in the heart of Appalachia. The trail itself is an out-and-back trail totaling 1.4 miles with an elevation gain of about 177 ft. The trail is considered moderately challenging; however, we found it to be a relatively easy hike. For the majority of the hike, you will be walking on flat ground near a small creek. It isn’t until the last portion of the hike that you will be trekking uphill.
4. Yahoo Falls
This amazing waterfall is located in McCreary County in Eastern Kentucky. Yahoo Falls is the highest waterfall in Kentucky, standing at a staggering 113 ft. However, this fact is often argued and not everyone agrees. What people do agree upon is that it is one of the highest free-flowing waterfalls that you can see in Kentucky. As such it should be on your Kentucky waterfalls bucket list. This trail is a 1.0-mile out-and-back trail that takes an average of 30 minutes to complete.
5. Flat Lick Falls
Flat Licks Falls is a favorite local hike for so many Kentuckians. The falls are in Jackson County, Kentucky right in the heart of Appalachia. Flat Lick Falls is a 28 ft waterfall and is approximately a 0.6-mile out-and-back loop. It is generally considered an easy route. On average, it takes approximately 15 minutes to complete. We would recommend planning for much longer than that! This is quite a popular swimming hole.
6. Eagle Falls
Eagle Falls trail can be located at Cumberland Falls State Park. The 44-foot waterfall is one to include on your Kentucky waterfall bucket list! Not only are the falls themselves worth the hike, but you also get some amazing views of Cumberland Falls with fewer tourists than the main park viewing area. The trail itself is approximately 3 miles out-and-back and is considered moderate to challenging.
7. Dog Slaughter Falls
Dog Slaughter Falls trail can be located at Cumberland Falls State Park. This 15 ft waterfall is one to include on your Kentucky waterfall bucket list! You’ll find this gorgeous falls at the end of a 2.5 miles out-and-back trail. The route is considered moderately challenging… which we agree with due to the steepness of the trail as you get closer to the waterfall. It takes an average of an hour to complete but we recommend accounting for an hour and a half or two hours to make sure you take in the beauty of the falls.
8. Lick Creek Falls
Lick Creek Falls is a 5.4 mile out and back trail located in McCreary County, KY. Not only is this trail one to include on your list because of the waterfall… but the trail itself is beautiful! It is considered moderately challenging and we would agree with that rating. What makes it difficult is hiking mostly uphill on the way back and the distance. Hiking through the trail, you will notice some of the most famous features of Kentucky. These include gorges, canyons, and caves. The trail is one of the most beautiful and unique trails we’ve hiked! You’ll find yourself climbing down green ladders built into the trail and hiking behind large rock formations.
If you are looking for more information about any of these waterfalls, head on over to https://appalachiantravelers.com/ to check out individual blogs on each of these places. As always, safe travels y’all! ~ Justin & Caitlin